Introduction

Zambia like many other countries, governance is divided into two distinct forms; Central and
Local governance. Local governments reflect the needs and wishes of people living in local
communities that have existed as long as communities have existed and pre- date central
government by centuries. Local government represents both a form of decentralisation of power
from central government and a basis for local democracy. The country is divided into local
authorities either county or district each having law- making and administrative powers as
delegated by Parliament. Local authorities nowadays are entirely creatures of statute:
accordingly, the only powers which they have are those conferred by the Zambian Parliament.1
Article 151 of the Constitution of Zambia of 2016, provides for the establishment of the local
government system, and mandates the local government to, devolve power, delegate and
decentralize among other things.2
This essay will discuss three facets of local government, namely; Devolution, Delegation and
Decentralization (Deconcentration). It will explain how each brings about effective modes of
decision making and delivery of service by government. The approach of this essay will be;
identify the two forms of governance (Central and Local governance), define local government,
discuss devolution, delegation, decentralization and then conclude. In my essay, I will refer to
statutes and rely on the English and Zambian common law.
Central government is ill equipped to deal with many matters which require special local
knowledge and regulation on the basis of local needs. The devolution of power to directly elected
local authorities enables those with local knowledge and expertise to regulate the provision of
services, such as public housing, public sanitation, educational and recreational facilities. Local
government, therefore, is justified on the basis of efficiency. Local government also represents
the citizens closest contact with a democratic institution and enables individuals to play a role in
the administration of their geographical area.
Local government represents the democratic form of government closest to the
people. Successive governments have introduced reforms to both the structure and
powers of local government, with major structural reforms during the 1960s, 1970s,
1980s and 1990s, the effect of which is a complex body of legislation.

1 Bernett, H. (2013).Constitutional & Administrative Law. (10 th Ed.). New York, NY:
Routledge. p. 242

2 Article 151 of the constitution of Zambia of 2016